Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for providing dynamic instrumentation of executing processes, comprising: receiving, by a compilation engine executing on a computing device comprising a processor device, an instrumentation program file comprising instructions for monitoring one or more executing processes; translating, by the compilation engine, the instrumentation program file into an executable and linkable file (ELF), the ELF comprising one or more sections of bytecode; analyzing, by a load and execute engine executing on the computing device, the ELF, and based on an analysis of the ELF: determining, by the load and execute engine, based on functionality specified by a first section of the one or more sections of bytecode that the first section requires a kernel functionality; and determining, by the load and execute engine, based on functionality specified by a second section of the one or more sections of bytecode that the second section does not require a kernel functionality, wherein the first section is to be interpreted by a kernel space bytecode interpreter of a kernel that is currently executing in a kernel space of the computing device and the second section is to be executed in a user space of the computing device; loading the first section into the kernel space for execution by the kernel space bytecode interpreter of the executing kernel of the computing device; executing the first section of bytecode by interpreting, by the kernel space bytecode interpreter in the kernel space, the first section of bytecode; concurrently executing the second section of bytecode using a user space bytecode interpreter of the load and execute engine; providing, by the load and execute engine, one or more global variables accessible from both the kernel space and the user space; receiving, from the second section of bytecode being interpreted by the user space bytecode interpreter, a value to be stored in a global variable of the one or more global variables; and providing the value stored in the global variable to the first section of bytecode being interpreted by the kernel space bytecode interpreter.
Dynamic instrumentation of executing processes involves monitoring and analyzing software behavior in real-time. A challenge in this domain is efficiently handling instrumentation tasks that require both kernel-level and user-level operations, often necessitating complex inter-process communication or context switching. This invention addresses this by providing a unified framework for dynamic instrumentation that seamlessly integrates kernel-space and user-space operations. The system includes a compilation engine that translates an instrumentation program file into an executable and linkable file (ELF) containing bytecode sections. A load and execute engine analyzes the ELF to determine which sections require kernel functionality and which do not. Kernel-required sections are executed in kernel space by a kernel-space bytecode interpreter, while other sections run in user space using a user-space bytecode interpreter. Both interpreters operate concurrently, allowing real-time monitoring and data exchange. The system also provides global variables accessible from both kernel and user spaces, enabling seamless data sharing between the two execution environments. For example, a value generated in user space can be stored in a global variable and retrieved by the kernel-space interpreter, ensuring synchronized operation without manual synchronization mechanisms. This approach reduces overhead and improves efficiency in dynamic instrumentation tasks.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: detecting, by the load and execute engine, a termination condition; and responsive to detecting the termination condition: unloading the first section from the kernel space; and terminating execution of the second section.
A method for managing software execution in a computing system involves dynamically loading and executing code sections between user space and kernel space to improve performance and security. The method includes loading a first section of code into kernel space and executing a second section of code in user space, where the second section is dependent on the first section. The load and execute engine monitors for a termination condition, such as an error, timeout, or user request. When detected, the engine unloads the first section from kernel space to free resources and terminate execution of the second section in user space, ensuring clean system state recovery. This approach prevents resource leaks and maintains system stability by enforcing strict termination protocols. The method is particularly useful in environments where kernel space operations must be tightly controlled, such as in security-critical or high-performance computing scenarios. The dynamic loading and unloading mechanism allows for flexible code execution while minimizing kernel space exposure, reducing attack surfaces and improving overall system reliability.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the termination condition comprises one of a received user input and a termination command from one of the first section and the second section.
This invention relates to a method for controlling a system with multiple sections, such as a vehicle or a robotic device, where the system operates based on interactions between the sections. The method involves monitoring the system to detect a termination condition, which can be triggered by either a user input or a command from one of the sections. When the termination condition is met, the system stops or alters its operation. The method ensures that the system responds to external user commands or internal signals from its components, allowing for flexible and responsive control. The termination condition may be used to safely halt operations, switch modes, or transition between different operational states. This approach improves system safety and adaptability by providing multiple ways to terminate or modify system behavior based on real-time inputs. The method is particularly useful in applications where dynamic control and user intervention are necessary, such as autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, or assistive robotics. By incorporating both user and system-generated termination signals, the method ensures reliable and timely responses to changing conditions.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the kernel space bytecode interpreter comprises an extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF) interpreter.
A system and method for high-performance packet processing in a computing environment involves using a kernel space bytecode interpreter to execute packet processing logic directly in the kernel, bypassing the need for context switching to user space. This approach reduces latency and improves throughput by eliminating the overhead associated with transitions between kernel and user space. The kernel space bytecode interpreter is designed to execute bytecode instructions that define packet processing operations, such as filtering, classification, or modification of network packets. The interpreter operates within the kernel, allowing for efficient and secure execution of these operations without exposing the kernel to potential vulnerabilities from user-space code. In one implementation, the kernel space bytecode interpreter is an extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF) interpreter. eBPF is a virtual machine that allows safe execution of custom programs in the kernel, enabling dynamic packet processing without requiring kernel modifications. The extended eBPF interpreter enhances traditional eBPF capabilities by supporting additional instructions or optimizations tailored for specific packet processing tasks. This allows for more complex and flexible packet handling while maintaining the security and performance benefits of running in kernel space. The system ensures that packet processing logic is executed efficiently, with minimal overhead, and provides a secure environment for handling network traffic.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the instrumentation program file comprises a SystemTap program file.
A method for analyzing system performance involves using an instrumentation program file to monitor and collect data from a target system. The instrumentation program file is designed to interact with the system's kernel or user-space components to gather metrics such as function calls, system events, or performance counters. This method addresses the challenge of obtaining detailed, real-time insights into system behavior without requiring modifications to the system's source code or significant overhead. The instrumentation program file is specifically implemented as a SystemTap program file, which is a scripting language and tool for dynamically instrumenting running Linux kernels and user-space applications. SystemTap allows for the insertion of probes at various points in the system, such as kernel functions, system calls, or user-space functions, to collect data on demand. This approach enables flexible and non-intrusive monitoring, making it suitable for debugging, performance tuning, and security analysis. The method leverages SystemTap's capabilities to define custom probes, filters, and handlers that specify what data to collect and how to process it. The collected data can then be analyzed to identify performance bottlenecks, resource usage patterns, or anomalies in system behavior. By using SystemTap, the method avoids the need for static instrumentation or recompilation, providing a dynamic and adaptable solution for system analysis.
6. A computing device, comprising: a memory; and a processor device coupled to the memory to: receive, using a compilation engine, an instrumentation program file comprising instructions for monitoring one or more executing processes; translate, using the compilation engine, the instrumentation program file into an executable and linkable file (ELF), the ELF comprising one or more sections of bytecode; analyze, by a load and execute engine executing on the computing device, the ELF, and based on an analysis of the ELF: determine, by the load and execute engine, based on functionality specified by a first section of the one or more sections of bytecode that the first section requires a kernel functionality; and determine, by the load and execute engine, based on functionality specified by a second section of the one or more sections of bytecode that the second section of the one or more sections of bytecode does not require a kernel functionality, wherein the first section is to be interpreted by a kernel space bytecode interpreter of a kernel that is currently executing in a kernel space of the computing device and the second section is to be executed in a user space of the computing device; load the first section into the kernel space for execution by the kernel space bytecode interpreter of the executing kernel of the computing device; execute the first section of bytecode by interpreting, by the kernel space bytecode interpreter in the kernel space, the first section of bytecode; concurrently execute the second section of bytecode using a user space bytecode interpreter of the load and execute engine; provide, by the load and execute engine, one or more global variables accessible from both the kernel space and the user space; receive, from the second section of bytecode being interpreted by the user space bytecode interpreter, a value to be stored in a global variable of the one or more global variables; and provide the value stored in the global variable to the first section of bytecode being interpreted by the kernel space bytecode interpreter.
This invention relates to a computing device that processes instrumentation programs for monitoring executing processes. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently handling instrumentation code that requires both kernel-level and user-level operations. The computing device includes a memory and a processor that executes a compilation engine and a load and execute engine. The compilation engine receives an instrumentation program file and translates it into an executable and linkable file (ELF) containing bytecode sections. The ELF file is analyzed by the load and execute engine, which identifies sections requiring kernel functionality and those that do not. Kernel-required sections are executed in kernel space by a kernel space bytecode interpreter, while non-kernel sections run in user space using a user space bytecode interpreter. The system supports concurrent execution of these sections and provides shared global variables accessible from both spaces. Values can be passed between the kernel and user space sections via these global variables, enabling coordinated monitoring of processes. This approach improves efficiency by leveraging specialized interpreters for each execution context while maintaining data consistency through shared variables.
7. The computing device of claim 6 , wherein the processor device is further to: detect, using the load and execute engine, a termination condition; and responsive to detecting the termination condition: unload the first section from the kernel space; and terminate execution of the second section.
This invention relates to computing systems and methods for managing executable code in kernel space, particularly for handling modular or segmented executable code. The problem addressed is the efficient and secure management of executable code in kernel space, where traditional methods may lack flexibility or introduce security risks. The invention involves a computing device with a processor that executes a load and execute engine. This engine is configured to load a first section of executable code into kernel space and execute a second section of executable code in user space. The first section may include initialization or setup code, while the second section may handle runtime operations. The processor monitors the execution of these sections and detects a termination condition, such as a completion signal, error, or timeout. Upon detecting this condition, the processor unloads the first section from kernel space and terminates execution of the second section. This ensures that kernel space resources are properly released and that no residual processes remain active, enhancing system stability and security. The invention may also include mechanisms to validate the executable code before loading it into kernel space, further improving security. This approach allows for modular execution of code while maintaining strict control over kernel space operations.
8. The computing device of claim 7 , wherein the termination condition comprises one of a received user input and a termination command from one of the first section and the second section.
A computing device is configured to process data by dividing it into a first section and a second section, where each section is processed independently. The device includes a processor that executes instructions to perform operations on the first section and the second section. The operations may include data analysis, transformation, or other computational tasks. The device monitors for a termination condition, which can be triggered by either a user input or a termination command from one of the sections. When the termination condition is met, the processing of both sections is halted. This ensures that the device can stop operations based on external user intervention or internal signals from the processing sections, providing flexibility in controlling the execution flow. The system is designed to handle large datasets or complex computations by dividing the workload, allowing for parallel processing while maintaining the ability to terminate operations dynamically. This approach improves efficiency and responsiveness in data processing tasks.
9. The computing device of claim 6 , wherein the kernel space bytecode interpreter comprises an extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF) interpreter.
A computing device includes a kernel space bytecode interpreter designed to execute bytecode instructions in the kernel space of an operating system. The interpreter is configured to receive bytecode instructions from a user space application, validate the instructions to ensure they are safe for execution in kernel space, and then execute the validated instructions. This allows user space applications to perform operations that would typically require kernel-level access, such as network packet filtering, system monitoring, or security enforcement, without compromising system stability or security. The kernel space bytecode interpreter includes an extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF) interpreter. eBPF is a technology that enables efficient and safe execution of custom programs in the Linux kernel. The extended eBPF interpreter enhances traditional eBPF capabilities by supporting additional features, such as improved performance optimizations, expanded instruction sets, or broader compatibility with different kernel versions. This allows for more complex and flexible operations to be performed directly in kernel space while maintaining security and efficiency. The interpreter ensures that the bytecode instructions are validated before execution, preventing malicious or unstable code from affecting the kernel. This approach enables secure and efficient execution of user-defined operations in kernel space, improving system performance and functionality.
10. The computing device of claim 6 , wherein the instrumentation program file comprises a SystemTap program file.
A computing device includes a processor and a memory storing an instrumentation program file. The instrumentation program file is configured to monitor and analyze system performance by dynamically instrumenting a target program during execution. The instrumentation program file includes a SystemTap program file, which is a scripting language designed for observing and modifying the behavior of running Linux kernel and user-space applications. The SystemTap program file allows for dynamic insertion of probes into the target program without requiring recompilation or restarting the program. These probes collect data such as function calls, system calls, and variable values, enabling detailed performance analysis and debugging. The computing device executes the instrumentation program file to gather runtime data, which can be used to identify performance bottlenecks, track system behavior, and optimize software execution. The SystemTap program file provides flexibility in defining custom probes and scripts, making it a powerful tool for system-level monitoring and troubleshooting. The computing device may further include a display for visualizing the collected data, allowing users to analyze system performance in real time. The instrumentation program file may also include additional scripts or tools to process and present the collected data in a structured format.
11. A computer program product for providing dynamic instrumentation of executing processes, the computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and including instructions to cause a processor device to: receive an instrumentation program file comprising instructions for monitoring one or more executing processes; translate the instrumentation program file into an executable and linkable file (ELF), the ELF comprising one or more sections of bytecode; analyze, by a load and execute engine executing on the computing device, the ELF, and based on an analysis of the ELF: determine, by the load and execute engine, based on functionality specified by a first section of the one or more sections of bytecode that the first section requires a kernel functionality; and determine, by the load and execute engine, based on functionality specified by a second section of the one or more sections of bytecode that the second section of the one or more sections of bytecode does not require a kernel functionality, wherein the first section is to be interpreted by a kernel space bytecode interpreter of a kernel that is currently executing in a kernel space of a computing device and the second section is to be executed in a user space of the computing device; load the first section into the kernel space for execution by the kernel space bytecode interpreter of the executing kernel of the computing device; execute the first section of bytecode by interpreting, by the kernel space bytecode interpreter in the kernel space, the first section of bytecode; concurrently execute the second section of bytecode using a user space bytecode interpreter of the load and execute engine; provide, by the load and execute engine, one or more global variables accessible from both the kernel space and the user space; receive, from the second section of bytecode being interpreted by the user space bytecode interpreter, a value to be stored in a global variable of the one or more global variables; and provide the value stored in the global variable to the first section of bytecode being interpreted by the kernel space bytecode interpreter.
This invention relates to dynamic instrumentation of executing processes in computing systems, addressing the challenge of efficiently monitoring and analyzing processes across both kernel and user spaces. The system involves a computer program product that processes an instrumentation program file containing monitoring instructions. The file is translated into an Executable and Linkable Format (ELF) file, which includes multiple sections of bytecode. A load and execute engine analyzes the ELF file to determine which sections require kernel functionality and which do not. Sections requiring kernel functionality are executed in kernel space by a kernel space bytecode interpreter, while other sections run in user space using a user space bytecode interpreter. The system ensures concurrent execution of these sections, allowing seamless interaction between kernel and user space. Global variables are provided to facilitate data sharing between the two spaces, enabling the user space bytecode interpreter to pass values to the kernel space bytecode interpreter. This approach enhances process monitoring by dynamically adapting to the execution environment while maintaining secure and efficient communication between different system layers.
12. The computer program product of claim 11 , including instructions to cause the processor device further to: detect a termination condition; and responsive to detecting the termination condition: unload the first section from the kernel space; and terminate execution of the second section.
This invention relates to a computer program product for managing software execution in a computing system, specifically addressing the need to efficiently handle the lifecycle of software components running in kernel space and user space. The system involves a computer program product with instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform operations to load and execute a first section of code in kernel space and a second section of code in user space. The first section is responsible for tasks requiring privileged access, such as hardware interaction or system-level operations, while the second section handles tasks that do not require such privileges, improving system stability and security by isolating these operations. The program also includes instructions to monitor for a termination condition, which could be an error, a timeout, or a user-triggered event. Upon detecting this condition, the system unloads the first section from kernel space to free resources and prevent potential system instability, while also terminating the execution of the second section in user space to ensure a clean shutdown. This approach enhances system reliability by preventing lingering processes and ensuring proper resource cleanup. The invention is particularly useful in environments where kernel space operations must be tightly controlled to avoid crashes or security vulnerabilities.
13. The computer program product of claim 12 , wherein the termination condition comprises one of a received user input and a termination command from one of the first section and the second section.
This invention relates to a computer program product for managing interactions between two sections of a system, such as software modules or networked devices. The problem addressed is the need for a controlled and flexible termination of operations between these sections, ensuring proper shutdown or transition without disrupting ongoing processes. The computer program product includes a termination condition that triggers the end of operations between the first and second sections. The termination condition can be either a user input, such as a manual command, or an automated termination command generated by one of the sections. This allows for both manual and programmatic control over the termination process. The system ensures that operations between the sections are halted in a structured manner, preventing data loss or system instability. The termination condition is designed to be adaptable, supporting different scenarios where either section may initiate the shutdown based on predefined criteria or user intervention. This flexibility enhances usability and reliability in dynamic environments.
14. The computer program product of claim 11 , wherein the kernel space bytecode interpreter comprises an extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF) interpreter.
The invention relates to a computer program product for processing network packets using an extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF) interpreter in kernel space. The technology addresses the need for efficient, secure, and flexible packet processing in high-performance networking environments, where traditional methods may lack adaptability or introduce performance bottlenecks. The system includes a kernel space bytecode interpreter, specifically an eBPF interpreter, which executes bytecode programs to filter, analyze, or modify network packets directly in the kernel. This approach leverages the eBPF virtual machine to run user-defined programs with kernel-level access, enabling low-latency packet processing while maintaining system security. The eBPF interpreter is designed to handle complex packet filtering rules, allowing for dynamic updates without requiring kernel recompilation or system reboots. The invention also includes a user space component that compiles high-level packet filtering rules into eBPF bytecode, which is then loaded into the kernel for execution. This separation ensures that the kernel remains lightweight and secure, while user space handles the more complex logic. The system supports real-time adjustments to packet processing rules, making it suitable for applications like network monitoring, intrusion detection, and traffic shaping. By using eBPF, the invention provides a balance between performance and flexibility, allowing network administrators to implement custom packet processing logic without compromising system stability or security. The solution is particularly valuable in environments where traditional packet filtering methods are insufficient or overly rigid.
15. The computer program product of claim 11 , wherein the instrumentation program file comprises a SystemTap program file.
A system for analyzing software performance and behavior using dynamic instrumentation involves a computer program product that includes an instrumentation program file. This file is designed to monitor and collect data from a target software application during its execution. The instrumentation program file is specifically implemented as a SystemTap program file, which is a scripting language used for dynamic tracing and analysis of running systems. SystemTap allows for the insertion of probes into the target application to gather detailed information about its operations, such as function calls, system calls, and other runtime events. The collected data is then processed to generate insights into the application's performance, behavior, and potential issues. This approach enables developers to diagnose problems, optimize performance, and ensure the reliability of the software without requiring modifications to the original application code. The use of SystemTap provides a flexible and powerful method for dynamic instrumentation, allowing for real-time analysis and debugging of complex software systems.
Unknown
October 20, 2020
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.